What IS included:

Main mix and clean "radio edit" (if needed) delivered at the same 24bit, (original track sample rate), in uncompressed WAV file format. I also create an MP3 at 16/44.1k for press kits and emailing. Unlike many in the industry, I would never hold onto the session files to force you into working with me again if something else is needed in the future. You will be able to download the session file (Logic Pro), and wet stems that can be quickly loaded into any DAW and sound like the final mix without any plugins.

If the mix has any issues that need fixing, 3 revisions are included. Three meaning sessions, not individual tweaks.

On the editing side, mix prep is all included. This can range from vocal tuning and de-clicking, to re-timing and drum replacement. Schedule a consultation with Craig to discuss any other needs for your project.

What is NOT included:

Vocal comping, while I can do this, it's usually handled by the producer and or singer.

Re-amping. This is also a sticky subject, because I can do it, but the guitarist or producer knows the exact tone they want. It would be very hard for me to nail exactly what is needed without lots of back and forth. It's a sound design situation that should be handled at the time of tracking, or in the rough mix.

The amount of time depends on many variables. I like to take 2 days when possible. The first day is mix prep. Listen, take notes, organize, edit, tune and so on. Then, give my ears some rest and go full on mix mode the next day. But depending on the number of tracks, edits and such, I may be able to get a single song mixed in one day if there is a tight deadline. Don't get me wrong though, I don't use shortcuts like automated plugins or top down mixing. I choose to handle mixing as if I'm in the 1980's on an old SSL 4000E console with traditional philosophies and techniques. I also still believe in sending my mixes out for mastering as a final QC using a fresh set of ears even though many people today master right in their mix sessions. Instead, my goal is to get my mixes so good, the mastering engineer just says it sounds great and doesn't need to touch it.

Every project is different, so I need to know what you need and preferably hear your rough mix. Please use the scheduling section below. I don't charge hourly or fixed rates. I also don't believe in charging for every little thing with a bunch of add-ons. I try to be fair and will always deliver the session files, wet stems and if needed, alternative versions along with the main mix. Three (3) revision tweaks are included. You will have the ability to annotate the precise locations of changes (tweaks) in the listening/approval website.

At this time, I'm focusing only on mixing. I can recommend a few mastering engineers that I have worked with that can finish off your music. When I send you a mix to listen to, you will hear a close approximation to what it will sound like mastered. The levels will be as loud as you want and there will be some bus compression that a mastering engineer would add. When you download the final files from me after singing off on the mix, there will be those "preview" (lightly mastered by me) files along with the unmastered final mix that will be sent to the mastering engineer. You can use the preview files any way you want or delete them. They might be useful if you need to send the song out now for a promotion that can't wait for the mastering. But the final master should have that final extra added shine as well as a final quality check.

Unfortunately, my studio is located in my house and therefore I can't have clients over due to city zoning restrictions. However, you can request a Zoom video conference if you like.

Mixing is an art and subjective in nature. I try to understand the direction you want your music to go right up front, but there may be times were little things need to be "tweaked" to get it just right. I pay close attention to your rough mix (if available) and references. I'm here to make your music sound as good as it can. If you aren't happy with something, just let me know. After the initial mix, you will be able to listen to it on a website where you can write notes at exact spots in the song. I will be notified of your notes, fix and upload a new revision. You will then be able to switch between all versions to hear the differences. Price quotes come with 3 revisions included.

You can send me your multi-tracks via YouSendIt, Google Drive, Drop Box and so on. If the files are just on your computer or hard drive, I can send you a link where you can securely upload the files to my server.

I accept PCM .WAV or .AIF file formats. Please don't send me MP3 or any lossy, compressed file types. I also need the multi-tracks, not group stems or already mixed beats. And especially NO mastered tracks that are already compressed and limited. You must have the rights to use any files you send me to mix.

Multi-tracks are simply the individual tracks originally recorded. They have no processing, unless they were processed at the time of recording (vocal compression, guitar effects, ect). Stems on the other hand have mixing type processing printed into the file. In many cases a groups of tracks might be summed together as a group stem, like a drum stem consisting of kick, snare top, snare bottom, hats and so on. Stems are usually requested by record labels from the mix session that can be used at a later date for quick rebalancing or remixing without having to go back to the original mix session.

I work in Reaper and Logic Pro, and while you could send me a project file, I'd rather you only send the multi-tracks. I do have many plugins, but probably not all the ones you used in your session. Remember, you can always send wet tracks if you love a sound you came up with. Please also include the dry tracks as well (ie. DI guitar as well as amped).

Sorry, Paradox Music Lab was purpose built for mixing (and some day mastering). There is no vocal booth or even much room for musicians to perform. Craig is an accomplished mixer and isn't trained specifically to be a recording engineer.

It's always a good idea to send me one or two reference songs in the same genre as your project. That will help me get a better idea for the sonic landscape you are going after. You can even explain what you like about the reference song. More importantly, please send your rough mix. That will quickly let me know some of your creative ideas like guitar delays or special vocal effects. There are so many things that can be done to a mix, it's best to know your direction right up front.

YES! I don't believe in charging extra for things that are part of mixing. If you have something specific you would like me to do, like you know a track needs noise removal, let me know. Otherwise, I will listen and make judgments for what is needed to get the music sounding great.

I'm sorry, but I can't work for free. The only way to give you even a 30 second sample would require running the whole mix. I can't just work on part of the song really quick to see if you like it. I believe my pricing is fair. I don't charge an hourly rate, so if the project takes extra time, that's on me. My quote is based on listening to your rough mix, or multi-tracks if you don't have a rough. In some cases I may be able to work out a deal that works for both of us. Contact me for a consultation.